Brad Inman says the Crewe Alex players were 'ashamed' of Saturday's defeat - and are desperate to put things right at Colchester United tomorrow (Tuesday, 7.45pm).

The attacker admitted the 5-1 reverse to Peterborough United was an 'embarrassment' which has 'hurt' the players and the supporters.

But Inman believes having another fixture so soon is a positive thing, as the players can channel their disappointment into what is an important fixture at the foot of League One.

He said: "We know the result has hurt us and the fans, and we owe them, and there's no better way than to play Colchester.

"There are certain words I can't really say, but it was an embarrassment, the boys were ashamed. We know it is not good enough and we have to put it right tomorrow.

"We didn't start the best but then we came back into the game and I felt we really had a chance, but it just hit us. It was like blinking and we were 4-0 down and there was no way back.

"It is better to have a game straight away so we can get our mind set on Colchester, rather than a full week of thinking back to Saturday. The boys are focused now on getting a result there."

Inman, who has three goals this season, has been one of the better performers for the Railwaymen this season but struggled to get a look-in against Posh.

But as the Alex have won on their last six visits to Colchester, a side 17th in the table and beaten 4-1 at Millwall last weekend, it could be a good chance for the former Newcastle United man and his team-mates to get amongst the goals.

Inman added: "Every game now for us is really massive, we have shown we can pick up points against the likes of Sheffield United so I don't see why we can't go to Colchester and pick up some points.

"They are crucial games, the way the table is, a couple of results can get us out of the relegation zone."